My wife (Dr. Julie)and I are natural care physicians working in Freeport Illinois. We also raise Alpacas on our farmette outside of town. Having practiced in Chicagoland for 20 years we are very much enjoying the more rural lifestyle. I write a monthly newsletter for my patients and colleagues that I will post on this site so others may share.

Monday, March 03, 2003

With February being heart health month there was a lot written about vitamin E.Not all E's are created equal!!And more is not necessarily better.

Which form of this fat-soluble vitamin is best? The names of all types of vitamin E begin with either “d” or “dl,” which refer to differences in chemical structure. The “d” form is natural (also known as RRR-alpha tocopherol) and “dl” is synthetic (more correctly known as all-rac-alpha tocopherol). The natural form is more active and better absorbed, ( some studies show almost 2 times the activity).

After the “d” or “dl” designation, often the Greek letter “alpha” appears, which also describes the structure. Synthetic “dl” vitamin E is found only in the alpha form—as in “dl-alpha tocopherol.” Natural vitamin E may be found either as alpha—as in “d-alpha tocopherol”—or in combination with beta, gamma, and delta, labeled “mixed”—as in mixed natural tocopherols.Gamma tocopherol was found to be more effective than alpha tocopherol in protecting against certain specific types of oxidative damage.

Studies are usually done in the 400-1000 IU range (most studies unfortunately use the dl form which take 2 times as much to be active). There are some studies using 1600 IU's.Unless you have some fat absorbtion problems or some disease processes such as myasthenia gravis rarely would you need that much. Especially if you are using natural mixed forms.

In addition some experts believe that the dl form in dosages over 1000 IU's can cause some myalgia's, a rise in serum CK, and even some muscle necrosis.Most of which reverses when the high dosage is stopped.

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About Me

Since 1985, Glenn Smith has been providing his services in a natural-care, family-practice office. After all these years, he is still amazed at the body's ability to respond and heal naturally. Dr. Smith specializes in Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Naprapathy, and Chiropractic care. After completing undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Valparaiso University, Dr. Smith received a Doctor of Naprapathy Degree from the Chicago National College of Naprapathy - where he met his wife, Dr. Julie Smith. He then earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from the National Chiropractic College in Lombard, where he was honored with the Academic Program Development Award. He is board certified and licensed in Acupuncture, Naturopathy and Naprapathy. Dr. Smith is a member of several associations, including the American Chiropractic Association, Illinois Chirpractic Society, and Illinois Acupuncture Federation. Dr. Smith is married to his partner, Dr. Julie Smith. They enjoy an active life with their two children, and can often be found playing insturments and singing in local musical groups as well as attending the alpaca herd.